Dexter, Missouri - Susan Cox was recently diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Transverse Myelitis.  A Valentine Gala benefit will be held in her honor on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Dexter's Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church.

It's been nearly four months ago since Susan's life changed.  She began feeling discomfort on her right side, then it affected her legs and by the afternoon she was in the hospital in Cape Girardeau looking for answers.  Doug, Susan's husband decided to head to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis where they spent a number of days confirming the rare condition.

Many of you know Susan's husband, Doug, works for the city of Dexter, but spends countless hours serving up delicious BBQ at many fundraisers and events locally.

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, they decided to go the best hospital in the country who has doctors known to be the "the pioneers" of Transverse Myelitis aka TM.  They traveled to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and doctors there agreed Susan had TM.

TM is defined as a rare neurological condition in which the spinal cord is inflamed.  This inflammation can be caused by an infection, immune system disorder or damage to nerve fibers. 

Cox was left without feeling from the middle of her body to her toes and has now undergone intense physical therapy.  Ironically she works at Select Physical Therapy in Dexter and has been employed there for 20 years.  She has been utilizing her therapy each and every day to the point she is able to stand, walk, and even maneuver without a walker.

The damage is done and will not heel according to her doctors; however she is determined to continue working and helping others.  Both her and her husband are known in the community as ones who help others first.

With all the medical and travel expenses, friends have decided to help the Cox family with a Valentine's Gala Benefit.  Tickets for the event are available at Gregory's Two East in downtown Dexter and are $25 each.  Finger foods and beverages will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. with musical entertainment provided by local artists.  Maggie Thorn Arlan Taylor, Mary Ruth Boone, and Jansen Williams will perform.

A silent auction will also take place and donations will be gladly accepted at Gregory's.

For additional information contact Gregory's Two East at (573) 624-4554.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

Dexter, Missouri - An official Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held at the newly established Xtreme Body Spa located at 221 N. Walnut Street.

The Spa offers haircuts, massages, waxing, eyelash services, nail service, facials, and tanning services.

Xtreme Body Spa is open six days a week from 9 a.m. - until 9 p.m. every day, but sunday.

The building also houses Dearly Loved Boutique.

Pictured from left to right are Cecil Haley with Southern Bank, Alderman Jerry Corder, Dearly Loved Boutique Owner Caitlin Koenig, Alisha Allen of Dearly Loved Boutique, Nail Technician Mikela Brown, Services Technician Bethany Rice, Owner and Operator Lisa Tucker, and her husband, Tom.  Also present were Chamber members and directors, as well as Chamber Executive Director Hillary Starnes.

Dexter, Missouri - Lieutenant Joshua T. Benton of the Dexter Police Department accepted a donation of $250 from local Walmart Super Center manager Debbie Juden.

The Walmart donation will be utilized to help upgrade and refurbish body cameras currently in use by the police department.

"We are very appreciative of the donation," commented Benton.